Of the two, Blum is the only one with NHL experience. The 24-year-old former WHL star with the Vancouver Giants has appeared in 91 games for the Predators, who drafted him 23rd overall in 2007. Last year, he played 35 games, scoring once and adding six assists.

That Blum only managed a two-way deal will be a disappointment for him, so he should enter next season with plenty to prove. The Wild defense is hardly uncrackable, which is part of the reason he chose Minnesota.

Landry, 30, spent last season in AHL Bridgeport, where he scored 33 points in 72 games for the Tigers.

I would have liked to have seen Blum signed by Vancouver, particularly where he expressed a desire to return to the city (having played for the Giants). He would have been a good depth d-man, with a right hand shot. I was always impressed when I watched him play with the Giants, although I recognize stepping up the NHL is a significant step, especially for defencemen. But he’s only 24 and a higher pick in 2007 – lots of time to still develop and even if he wouldn’t have made the big team’s roster particularly when the Nucks went and signed Yannick Weber, he could have added to Vancouver’s rebuild of prospects with the Comets. Good luck in Nashville!

The Wild have grabbed a lot of former 1st round picks this off-season. Hardly uncrackable defense? We are not an elite defense yet, but our D is going to be very solid next year. We can always stand to get a little more physical. Brodin will be even more of a stud next year, Suter should be the defending Norris winner and will be the heart of the D again, while all the rest are young and in good position to prove thier worth with us here. I like these additions and should be fun to see who wins roster spots

I actually thought Fletcher was going to make a move for Blum a month ago just because of the reason you posted above. The Preds have a factory of Dmen and I honestly expected a 7th rounder going to Nashville for Blum before he had the chance to sign with anyone.

(Blum was a RFA a month ago, right?)

if not, I still figured the Wild were going after Blum as the odd man out in Nashville after getting Jones. Still shocked he fell to #4. WTF is Florida thinking